THE ELECTIONS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1278, 6 November 1911, Page 5

THE ELECTIONS.

NEWS AND NOTES. TO-NIGHT'S MEETINGS, Mr. .'(. P. Luke (Government, Wellingtou Suburbs and Country Electorate), at Half, Porirua, at 8 p.m. Mr. ,1. I). Fitzgerald («.!ovnmmciit, Wolliji.gkm Suburbs if(ui Country Electorate), at Anglicm Schoolroom, Kllanduilah, at S p.m. ilr. W. 11. Field (Government, Otaki .Electorate), at tlio old Schoolhousc, Waikanae, at 8 p.m. .Mr. \\ r . I!. I). Ml (Opposition, Wellington .Suburbs), at Norniundale, at 8 Mr. I?. A. AVright (Opposition, Wellington at Masonic Hall, Borliampore, at 8 )j.iii. Mr. C. A. Monckton (Opposition, Otaki .Electorate), at sche.olhousc, Te Horo, at 8 p.m. MEETINGS TO-MORROW. Dr. A. E. Councils (Opposition, Wellington South), at Fuliford's llali, Brooklyn, or, Tuesday, November 7, at 8 p.m. Mr. J. P. Luke (Government, Wellingto:i Suburbs and Country Electorate), .State School, 'J'awa Vial, on Tuesday, November 7, at 8 p.m. Dr. A. W. hard (Government, Welling-' ton North), at Sydney Street Schoolroom, on Tuesday, November V, at S p.m. Mr. J. ]0. Fitzgerald (Ciovernment, Wellington Suburbs and Country Electorate), at Belmont on Tuesday, November 7, at 8 p.m. Mr. W. 11. Field (Government, Otaki Electorate), at Town Hall, Otaki, on Tuesday, November 7, at 8 p.m. Mr. \V. H, U. Bell (Opposition, Wellington Suburbs), at Khandallali, on Tuesday, November 7, at 8 p.m. Mr. C. A. Moncktou (Opposition, Otaki Electorate), at Coronation Hall, Paraparaunni, on Tuesday, November 7, at 8 .p.m. Mr. ft. A. Wright (Opposition, Wellington South), at Brooklyn, on Thursday, November 9. The outlook for the coming: elections from the Opposition parly's point of view is daily more encouraging, according to the leader, Mr. W. V. Masscy, M.P. "1 have received," he said the other day, "a largo number of communications which show that tho prospects for our candidates arc most promising. A gratifying fact is that some of them who were thought to have comparatively . littlo chance at the ouiset have so gained grouad that they are now receiving support from totally unexpected directions." Mr. F. Marnier, member for Marsden, who is again to contest the seat in tho Opposition interest, has returned from Wellington very much improved in health. It is Mr. Mander's definite intcnI lion to go to the poll, although under his (lector's orders he has been compelled to abandon all thoughts of touring (he electorate or doing any election canvassing, "Politics and the licensing question form the almost universal topics of discussion in (his district at the present time," says a Wairarapa paper. When "A Candidato" Talks. Ministerialist organ has chosen an unfortunate way of replying to Mr. Massoy's criticism of the Government's lack ! of a land policy. It points to Sir J. G. ! Fiad'.ay's latest speech, and says: "Tho proposal of the .Budget lias grown a million acres wide. . . The reply of tho Attorney-General on behalf of the Government covers a million acres of settlement in one provincial district alone." But Sir Joseph Ward has already explained that what his colleague says does not represent the Government's policy, but is only tho talk of "a date."Mr, Masscy. The leader of the Opposition, Mr, W. F. ilassey, M.P., who is suffering from overwork and a strained ankle, does not expect to bo laid aside for inoro than a day or two. 'J'ho programme which tho Loader oi the Oppusiviun had mapped out has had to be altered. He had arranged to speak at Patumahoo on Friday, and at I'apakura on Saturday last. These fixtures have sow been re-arranged for Tuesday and Wednesday of this week respectively. Mr. ilassey will keep his appointment to speak at YV'aiuku to-night. Later he will be actively engaged in visiting other electorates in tho Dominion, including that of tho Prime Minister (Awarua). Stealing a Policy. It Ls pointed out by tho "Wnikalo Argus" that tho Family Land Settlement Bill, of which Mr. Masscy has expressed approval, is a freehold measure, mid that many of its most important provisions are taken from the -Reform parly's platform. "This Bill, no doubt, will bo utilised by Ciovernment candidates as being a reason for supporting them, voters, however, will remember that the policy has been forced upon the Government party, ami that in reality it is (lie property, by right of creation, of the opponents of tho Ward Ministry. Tho Bill is still in nubibus. Which sets of men are most likely to give effect to it? Those who havo had it forced upon them, or those who for years urged it as their policy?" Begging for Grants. Mr. Basil Howett, Independent candidate for Raglan, said, in a recent speech, that he favoured the establishment of a Heads and Bridges Department, which should take over and maintain tlia main arterial roads. This slop was also supported by Mr. Masscy. He also thought subsidies should be granted to countries on the graduated scale, those countries which rated thouiselv-. s heavily, and ehowed an earnest dcsii3 to benefit theii condition, receiving tho higher subsidy. This would do away with a system liu loathed and hated—lagging for grants. (Applause.) It may bo added that Mr. Etwoft could speak feelingly on this matter, as he has had several years' experience as chairman of the Raglan County Council. Palmcrston North. Mr. D. Buick, tho present member for Palmcrston Nurth, expects to bo in iho thick of (he election battle very shortly. Temporary illness has prevented his talcing the platform sooner, but those in Palmcrston who are particularly interested in his candidature are confident that this will not prevent him keeping the seat. Mr. R. M'Nab, (ho Government candidate for Palmcrston North, is carrying on an active campaign in the. smaller settlement of the electorate, but has not yet appeared on the platform in the chief centre. It is said Mr. M'Nab is rcscrviug lor his Pnlmorslon North address some big guns that havo been kept silent in Iho outskirts. It is rumoured that the platform to bo delivered when the candidato faces the Palmcrston electors will include some new land proposals. A Minister's Dilemma. In the course of bis speech at Eltham the Hen. T. Mackenzie said:—"As lo land policy, Mr. Masscy had said ho (Mr. Mackenzie) had voted against a certain amendment; but, being a member of the Government, how could ho vote against the Government on what was really a noeonfidenee motion?" This, then (the "Wairarapa Daily Times" comments) is the j position. Mr. Mackenzie announces himself as a freeholder, and is voted for, as their representative, by other men of freehold convictions. Presently, a inoI tion is moved in the House by freeholders, ami opposed by leaseholders. The freeholders aro in a majority, but. tho Gov- ! eminent is a leasehold Government. Mr. Mackenzie voles with tho Government, in which he holds ollice, and assists in defeating the freehold motion of which he must approve. How can such conduct best bo described? Mr. Hine Opens Well, Mr. Hine, M.P. for 'Stratford, had a significantly cordial rcreption when he opened his' campaign in Iho Strafford ' Town Hall on Friday nigh!. The hall, savs Hie Taranaki "News," was crowded. Mi-. .1. Mnslrrs (Mayor) presided, and congratulated Mr. Hine on the recovery of his health. Mr. Hine's appearance'was greeted with some minutes' cheering. 110 spoke for a little over an hour, giving a brief review of some of the work of the session and condemned (ho action of (ho Ciovernment. At the conclusion of a very interesting address, which was punctuated with applause, a resolution was carried that this meeting accords ils hearty thanks to Mr. Hine for his able and interesting address, and, in (he opinion of this meeting, the time has arrived when!

this Dominion should havo a chango oj Government, The resolution was moved by Mr. George Sangster and carried with cheers. There was a scene of great enthusiasm at the cluse of a most' successful meeting. "Not Much Chance." Tho rapid rise in the values of Native lands which do not pay rates or taxes was ll)i) subject of pointed reference In tho dpeetli with which Mr. 14. liewet.t, an Independent candidate, opened bin campaign in tho Jiaglan district. Ho remarked that in liWi tho Native Minister appeared lo realise that it was unlair that the Maoris jdiould not contribute towards the cost of improved communication to (licit lands, and got an Act passed to enable local bodies to collect r.ilus; but before (hey could enforce a jidgment they had to get the con.sent of the Native Minister. Ho had never yet heard of a case where this consent was forthcoming; the whole thing was a farcfl. Ho (lid not blame the Maoris for not paying rates, as Europeans would not pay them cither uiil<:-> compelled to do so. Ho did not think it to turn the Native Minister out if he would reform; but llioin. did not appear to bJ much chanco that ho ever would. The Dairy Farmers' Point of Viow. A. correspondent signing himself "Sam Rash" writes to the "Tar.iinki Herald" as follows:—To read in some of tho Government papers about Mr. T. Mackenzie, one would think that the whole dairy industry would collapse if the constituency were to stick to its present representative, 'J'ho Government and its supporters seem to want lo claim too much. Our fanners established and maintained the dairy industry long before Mr. Mackenzie was ever thought of, and, as you put it in yesterday's paper, the industry owes its success chiefly _ to co-operation and the refrigerator. Notwithstanding all the assistance and supervision given by the Government, prices arc ruled by supply and demand. If it were not so, the Minister for Agriculture sadly neglected his duty lost season by allowing our dairy produce bo rule so low in the Home markets. With all Mr. Mackenzie's ability and his long-, ing desire to assist the dairy farmers, ho somiis to have alwavs had the caution to keep out of it himself. After all, it does not do for the farmers to rely too much on Government assistance. _It generally ends in "Jf you want a thing done, do it yourself." WELLINGTON SUBURBS. SIR. W. H. D. HELL AT OHARIU. Mr. Bell addressed a large audience at the Public Hall, Ohariu, en Saturday evening. Councillor S. Bryant presided. Tho candidate said that he was direct--1) opposed to the present Government, and wanted to sec it put out of office, firstly, because it was not administering the country efficiently, and, secondly, because it had for years retained ollico by means which were not honest. Mr. 801 l ridiculed Sir .lolia Findlay's statement to the Parncll electors that seven- millions should be spent in developing Hio Auckland province, and that a million acres of land would be purchased for settlement there. How could auyono believe that chew) schemes would bo carried into effect,'when one remembered how few of its election promises this Government had kept? Mr. Bell also referred to the proelection riso in salaries to Civil Servants and railway servants. This move, ho thought, had failed, since the Civil Servants and railway servants had realised that the rise was nothing more than nil attempt to brilw them and they would scorn to allow themselves to bo bribed. If tho riso was justified—and he was not arguing to the contrary—then surely it was duo months ago, and should not havo been held back until just before a general election. Tho Pefonn Party, if returned to power, would make for more rapid development, in that every penny of every loan would bo carefully and wi.'.ely expended, and the groat waslo which now characterised tho Administration would be avoided. Mr. 801 l received an excellent hearing, and was frequently applauded. At the conclusion of tho'candidate's address a vote of thanks and confidence, moved by Mr. A. Best and seconded by Mr. W. Hume, was carried unanimously. Strong committees (men's and ladies') were formed. MR. ,T. E. FITZGERALD AT NEWLANDS AND PAPAHANGI. Mr. J. E. Fitzgerald, the Government candidate, addressed a crowded meeting of electors at Newlands on Saturday evening. Mr. T. Fuller presided. The candidaio said that he was supporting tho Liberal Government as against the Conscrvativo Opposition, because Liberalism had always stood for good, progressive legislation, and had placed upon the Statute. Bock many measures that would shine in (ho jiislorj of "New Zealand, and he was prepared to support the present Government so long as it stands for developing this young country, for sound progress, and economical administration. Dealing with finance, Mr. Fitzgerald said that any Government would fail in its duty if it refused or neglected to develop the. country; if it stopped building railways, roads, and bridges; if it stopped lending cheap money to bottlers and workers. Wo are bound, said Mr. Fitzgerald, «s progressive people, to do all these necessary works, und we am bound to borrow money. Who would say that wo should stop our policy of progress? Ho fell suro that as long as wo could make our money reproductive, nnd as long as we could show assets for our money, we were proceeding on right lines. Tho speaker criticised Iho Opposition at some length. Ho also spoke at length on tho possibility of harnessing and utilising our great wnterpoivci for tho good of tho whole Dominion. The meeting accorded the candidato a vote of thanks and confidence. MR. LUKE AT WORSER BAT,, Mr. J. P. Luke, Government candidato for the Wellington Suuiirbjs scut, addressed u meeting at the Kiosk, Worsor Bay, on Saturday evening, Mr. Rouutreo pivsiiuug. In Lie course of his speech, the candidate slat'Jd' that he thought that tho enactments of Parliament during the lad three sessions, among which lie instanced the Wiuows' Pension Act, the Old Ago Pensions Amendment Act, and the National Provident Fund Act, were a credit lo Parliament, and reflected tho incrcasinn interest of tho people of the Dominion iu providing the necessities of life lor those who no longer had tlw earning power which they once possessed. In dealing with the o.uesliisn of iiinnce, the speaker slated that tho borrowing powers that had been exercised for many years past had been us.d in the direction of constructing reproductive works which weio interest-bearing. Ho was strongly of opinion, however, that a halt should now be made in regard '.o borrowing, and, instead of increasing the public debt of the Dominion lor the purpose of land settlement, greater facilities should bo given by the Stale Guaranteed Advances Department. Mr. Luke was in favour of (ho graduated land tax, and the Land Settlement Finance Act as being the two factors (hat would bring about closer Fotllommt, without casting additional burdens on the community. The candidate said that ho regretted thai the wave of industrial unrest which had been so much in evidence in other lands had also reached New Zealand. Uo held Hint it was i\ bint unon our boasted Conciliation and Arbitration Act that the laying tin of steamers for five or six weeks could bo brought about, and yet no settlement of the trouble was in sight. Tho first work of the new Parliament should be tho remodelling of the Conciliation nnd Avibiiralion Act in such a manner thai it would provide "".'.'C " i ' "• tween enmloycrs and employees. Its findings should' bo duly h-iuend m, ■ ti sides. If the people id' the Domiir-'ui \r?m not prepared to build up (he Couoiliati.'U and Arbitration Act on "mud lines, it should imt be allowed lo encumber the Statute Book any longer. At (.he conclusion ol his nddn---s Ihe candidaio was accorded a vole of thanks.